Insider addresses latest 'myth' about Browns possibly pursuing Falcons' Kirk Cousins

As recently as Monday, NFL insider Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated said that it was "not completely impossible" that the Cleveland Browns could still pursue Kirk Cousins of the Atlanta Falcons at some point this spring, even after Cleveland added fan-favorite Joe Flacco to a quarterback room that already featured Kenny Pickett. 

For an article published late Monday night, Browns reporter Tony Grossi of ESPN Cleveland/The Land on Demand poured cold water over Breer's take. 

"Cousins is under contract to the Falcons for three more years at salaries of $27.5M (guaranteed), $35M and $35M, with salary cap numbers of $40M in 2025 and $57.5M in each of 2026 and 2027," Grossi explained. "A roster bonus of $10M in 2026 also was guaranteed when the Falcons declined to release Cousins by March 16. Cousins also has a no-trade clause and reportedly will not waive it to go to a team that drafts a quarterback high. The only chance of Cousins joining the Browns lies with the infinitesimal possibility of the Falcons releasing Cousins. Why would they do that when they’re already on the hook for $37.5M in guarantees to Cousins?"

Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot and head coach Raheem Morris have suggested throughout the offseason that they are willing to have Cousins serve as a backup for 2024 first-round draft choice Michael Penix Jr. if no team trades for the 36-year-old before the 2025 season gets underway. 

Breer is among those who think the Pittsburgh Steelers could become desperate enough to call the Falcons about Cousins' services if Aaron Rodgers signs with either the New Orleans Saints or the Minnesota Vikings. That said, there's no indication any team is currently in a rush to trade for Cousins ahead of this year's draft. 

Numerous reports have said that "other teams believe there is a good chance" the Browns will pass on making Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders the second pick of this year's draft. However, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. and Field Yates predicted in their latest mock draft posted on Tuesday that Cleveland will trade back into the first round to land Ole Miss signal-caller Jaxson Dart at selection No. 29. 

Unless Cousins earns his desired release from the Falcons before April 24, it sounds like many think the Browns will no longer be interested in him by the time that day concludes.